West Orange Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day At 2024 Event

WEST ORANGE, NJ — An annual celebration in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. Day recently returned to West Orange for 2024.

The 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Liberty Middle School took place on Monday. The event is sponsored by the West Orange Human Relation Commission.

The keynote speaker was West Orange resident William Michael Barbee, an entrepreneur and author who serves on the township’s zoning board.

Community Service Awards were presented to Carl Brister, Harper’s Café, Makayla Rivera, Emmanuel Anim-Sackey and Lolita Turner. West Orange Police Chief James Abbott was also recognized for his leadership role in the community.

The West Orange High School Boys Step Team performed at this year’s event, which concluded with several dances from the East Orange Silver Steppers.

“Dr. King and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement helped bring about massive changes in America, but their work is not yet finished,” said West Orange Mayor Susan McCartney, who thanked the HRC’s commissioners – including chair Elizabeth Milhim and vice-chair Dawn Adams – for helping to put the event together.

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